boyScottish

Ian: Meaning & Origin

Ian is a boy's name of Scottish origin meaning “God is gracious; Hebrew origin meaning "God shows mercy".” With 1 syllable, it is short and easy to say. As of 2023, Ian ranks #70 among boys' names in the United States and is currently rising in popularity. Its highest US ranking was #70 in 2023.

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Pronunciation

EE-un

Phonetic spelling

Popularity

84/100 Score

Currently #70 among US baby names.

Popularity Trend

1%
92
2019
93
2023
#70
US Rank

* Based on US Social Security Administration birth-registration data

Middle Name Ideas

  • Ian James
  • Ian Alexander
  • Ian William

Famous Namesakes

  • Ian McKellen (actor)

Variants & Alternate Spellings of Ian

Frequently Asked Questions About Ian

What does the name Ian mean?

Ian means “God is gracious; Hebrew origin meaning "God shows mercy".” It is a boy's name of Scottish origin.

How do you pronounce Ian?

Ian is pronounced EE-un.

Is Ian a boy or girl name?

Ian is most commonly used as a boy's name.

How popular is the name Ian?

Ian currently ranks #70 among boys' names in the United States.

What are good middle names for Ian?

Middle names that pair well with Ian include Ian James, Ian Alexander, Ian William.

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